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Career Services Office

Career Services Office home page
Weeks of August 4 and August 11, 2014

CSO Information & Announcements

  • Federal Work Study for Fall 2014: Apply by August 15

On-Campus Interviewing

  • Fall Recruiting (OCI): Mandatory Resume Review and Important Dates and Resources
  • Makeup Procedures for Mandatory Information Session

Programming

  • August 6: Meet Edelson at the Beach

Employment Opportunities

  • Calling all 3Ls: Attorney General’s Honors Program for Entry Level Attorneys - Apply Now!

Fellowships & Scholarships

  • Equal Justice Works 2015 Fellowship Application: Apply Now!
  • Reed Smith's 2014 Diverse Scholars Program
  • Sidley Austin LLP Diversity Scholarship
  • Franczek Radelet LEADS Fellowship Program
  • Latham & Watkins Diversity Scholars Program

Job Fairs

  • Register NOW: Lavender Law Career Fair
  • Register NOW: Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention and Career Fair
  • 2014 Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair

Diversity

Resources

  • Skadden Fellowship Info Session Audio File Available
  • Career Resources available in Symplicity's "Document Library"

CSO Information & Announcements

Federal Work Study for Fall 2014: Apply Now!

Chicago-Kent will have Community-Based Federal Work Study funds available during Fall 2014. Chicago-Kent 2L & 3L students who are Federal Work Study eligible may be paid though Federal Work Study funds to work at government and public interest organizations outside of the law school.  Please visit the Community-Based Federal Work Study webpage for a more detailed explanation of this opportunity, as well as the form you need to complete in order to participate.  Applications for Federal Work Study for Fall 2014 are accepted on a rolling basis, so apply by Friday, August 15, 2014.

On-Campus Interview

OCI Interview Schedules Go Live Friday, August 8

Student interview schedules for OCI will be available in Symplicity by Friday, August 8, 2014.  To view your scheduled interview(s), click on the “OCI” tab and then on “Scheduled Interviews.”

Please remember to check back frequently because changes to room numbers, interviewers, and possibly even changes to your interview schedule itself may occur at any point in the process. The Career Services Office will send emails regarding such changes unless entire interview schedules are canceled; it is your responsibility to check Symplicity.

Important Fall Recruiting Dates:

  • August 4-7, 2014:  Mock Interviews.
  • August 8: Interview schedules available to students
  • August 11, 2014: On-campus interviews begin.

Be sure to check OCI interview schedules for changes in rooms, times, interviewers, etc.

Please remember to check Symplicity frequently during the 2014 Fall Recruiting process.  Changes to room numbers, interviewers, and possibly even changes to your interview schedule itself may occur at any point in the recruiting process. The CSO will not send out emails regarding such changes unless entire interview schedules are canceled. It is your responsibility to continually check Symplicity.

Makeup Procedures for Mandatory Information Session

If you missed the Mandatory Fall Recruiting Information Session, but you still want to participate in Fall Recruiting, here are the makeup procedures:

  1. Watch the video of the information session here:  http://kentlaw.hosted.panopto.com  Login with your Chicago-Kent username and password.  (The video is available to view NOW!) To quickly view all Career Services videos, click on "See All Folders" at the top of your Panopto screen, and select "Career Services."
  2. Complete the "2014 Fall Recruiting Session Makeup Questionnaire" and return it to Career Services ASAP.  This questionnaire is available to the right of the video in Panopto, and it was emailed to the Fall Recruiting listservs.  You may:
    1. email the completed questionnaire to kentcso@kentlaw.iit.edu
    2. fax it to the CSO at 312-906-5171 or
    3. turn in the hard copy to the CSO (suite 360)

Programming

August 6: Meet Edelson at the Beach

Who Says Law Can't Be A Day  At The Beach?  Meet Edelson at the Beach on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 from 4pm to 7pm at Castaways, North Avenue Beach, Chicago. 
Leave the bidding process behind and come meet Edelson at the beach for volleyball, food, and drinks. Space is limited, RSVP at http://edelson.com/meet-edelson-register/ before August 3

Meet Edelson at Chicago-Kent OCI on August 27, 2014.

Employment Opportunities

Please check Chicago-Kent's job posting system ("Symplicity") on a regular basis. Check out Symplicity's general instructions for more information.

PILI Fall 2014: Apply Now!

PILI’s online application system is now open for the 2014 Fall Semester. The agencies that will host fall Interns are: Coordinated Advice Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS), Center for Disability & Elder Law, Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Equip for Equality, LAF Chicago, and the National Immigrant Justice Center. PILI Interns work 200 hours during the 2014 Fall Semester in return for a $2,500 stipend.  

In order to apply for the PILI stipend, all applicants must go through the online application system. Applicants must first register with www.IllinoisProBono.org, and may only apply once they have had their registration confirmed. Applicants may apply for all of the available positions in the fall if they are interested, and can upload a customized cover letter for each agency. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled, so APPLY NOW!  To apply, go here: www.illinoisprobono.org/piliapplication

Calling all 3Ls: Attorney General’s Honors Program for Entry Level Attorneys - Apply Now!

Many distinguished individuals began their careers as an attorney through the Attorney General’s Honors Program.  The Attorney General’s Honors Program is the largest and most prestigious federal entry-level attorney hiring program of its kind. Learn more here.
Eligibility is generally limited to graduating law students and recent law school graduates who entered judicial clerkships, graduate law programs, or qualifying legal fellowships within 9 months of law school graduation and who meet additional eligibility requirements.

Candidates interested in starting their career as an entry-level attorney with the Department of Justice must apply through the Attorney General’s Honors Program via an on-line application. For employment beginning in Fall 2015, applications are now open, and applications close on September 2, 2014.  Applicants should read the application tips and checklist and assemble requested information before starting the application. Apply now.

If you need an accommodation in order to complete the application, please contact Deana Willis at (202) 514-3397 for assistance. If you have questions related to the on-line application or need technical assistance, please click the “Avue Dojo” link at the top right of the application or call the Avue Help Desk at 1-800-407-0147 (available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time).

Fellowships & Scholarships

Equal Justice Works 2015 Fellowship Application: Apply Now!

Third year law students, recent law school graduates, or experienced attorneys who demonstrate a commitment to public interest law may apply NOW for an Equal Justice Works Fellowship. The application became available on Monday, July 7, 2014

Equal Justice Works Fellows have represented thousands of adults, children and families in need in communities across the country. Fellows design unique projects that serve and address a range of legal issues including domestic violence, homelessness, community economic development, immigration, civil rights, juvenile justice, employment rights, health care, consumer fraud, and environmental justice.  Equal Justice Works then matches the fellow with sponsors to support their projects. Click here to learn what makes a successful fellowship and how you can apply.  Read Frequently Asked Questions here.

Reed Smith's 2014 Diverse Scholars Program

Reed Smith has a strong commitment to diversity which has resulted in a firm in which diversity and inclusion permeate the culture.  Rewarding young future leaders for their efforts in the area of diversity and introducing them to the Reed Smith culture are two important goals of this program

 The Diverse Scholars Program provides two $15,000 awards toward tuition for the second year of law school, as well as a paid summer associate position after completion of the second year of law school.  The program is open to first-year law students who have demonstrated excellent academic scholarship and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and community.

Scholarship applicants must submit a resume, a completed application, a personal statement, law school transcript, undergraduate transcript and a legal writing sample as part of the application process.    

Summer associate positions in 2015 are available in:  Chicago; Richmond, VA; Los Angeles; San Francisco; New York City; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Houston; and Washington, D.C.  Applications must be postmarked by August 4, 2014.

Students may also visit the Diverse Scholars page located within the law students section at http://careers.reedsmith.com for more information about our program and to download an application. 

 To learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit http://diversity.reedsmith.com/

Contact Nikki Silvio with any questions about the Diverse Scholars Program at nsilvio@reedsmith.com or 312-207-6445.

Sidley Austin LLP Diversity Scholarship

Sidley Austin has long been a dedicated proponent of law firm diversity and inclusion.  Sidley’s Diversity Committee and Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women work to help achieve its mission of attracting, retaining, and promoting to partnership and leadership outstanding lawyers who reflect the global marketplace and communities that it serves. 

Sidley offers a Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship for second year law students who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The scholarship grants $20,000 to up to 15 second year law students who join the Firm’s summer program. 

Selection Criteria

  • Be a second year law student; preference is given to students at schools where Sidley conducts on-campus interviews or participates in resume collections
  • Have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership qualities
  • Have a proven ability to contribute meaningfully to the diversity of the law school, the ?rm and the legal profession

Expectations of Scholarship Recipients

  • Join Sidley’s summer associate program after their second year of law school
  • Use the Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship to defray the costs of their legal education
  • Participate in Sidley’s ongoing dialogue regarding ways to improve diversity and inclusion

How to Apply

  • Interested candidates should complete the Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship application, which can be found on the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship page and send along with a resume, current of?cial law school transcript and personal statement to: scholarship@sidley.com

Or

Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship
c/o Jennifer Connelly
Sidley Austin LLP
One South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60603

Application Timeline

Application materials should be submitted by September 5, 2014 or prior to your callback interview, whichever is earlier. Awardees will be noti?ed of the decision during the course of the recruiting season. The scholarship application is not an application for employment. You must apply separately for a summer associate position.

Franczek Radelet LEADS Fellowship Program

Franczek Radelet, a labor and employment boutique law firm in Chicago, is pleased to continue its LEADS Fellowship Program designed to increase the placement of diverse lawyers at the firm and in private practice generally. Franczek Radelet’s Legal Education for the Advancement of Diversity & Scholarship (LEADS) is an intensive eight week summer program designed for first and second year law students with the goal of providing concentrated labor and employment experience to diverse law students and developing a pipeline of highly qualified, diverse candidates for potential future employment at Franczek Radelet.

The LEADS application is available here. As outlined on the application, completed and signed applications and all required supporting documentation should be received by September 15, 2014 for 2L students and January 9, 2015 for 1L students. Please note that applications will be reviewed and applicants interviewed and selected on a rolling basis.

Latham & Watkins Diversity Scholars Program

The Latham Diversity Scholars Program, started in 2005, is designed to increase the number of diverse attorneys who want to pursue careers in global law firms, such as Latham & Watkins, which has approximately 2,100 lawyers located in the world's major business and financial centers.

Eligibility
To become a Latham Diversity Scholar, you must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and intend to practice law in a major city of the United States. You must have successfully completed your first year of a full-time JD program by the application deadline, with an expected graduation date of spring 2016, and you may not be the recipient of a similar scholarship award from another law firm.

Award
Latham Diversity Scholars will receive a gift of $10,000 non-renewable scholarship for their second year of law school (2014 - 2015). This scholarship is not contingent upon receiving or accepting an offer of employment at Latham & Watkins. We awarded four scholarships each in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2012, we expanded our scholarship to include six diversity scholars. In 2015, we anticipate naming six scholars as well.

Application
To be considered for the Latham Diversity Scholars Program, please complete and submit an application form, resume, unofficial or official law school transcript and personal statement to Latham & Watkins. The application process is open to law students who meet the eligibility requirements stated above. Applications must be received by September 26, 2014. A selection panel of attorneys will evaluate all applications, considering such factors as academic achievement, work experience and overall commitment to diversity, and interview the scholarship finalists in late 2014. The scholarship recipients will be publicly announced in early 2015. Late or incomplete applications may be reviewed at the discretion of the selection panel.

Your complete application package must include the following items:

  • Resume
  • Unofficial or Official Law School Transcript
  • Personal Statement (no more than 500 words)

Please keep in mind that this is not an application for employment at Latham & Watkins. Accordingly, please refrain from discussing how you would be a great candidate to work at Latham or to contribute to diversity at Latham. Instead, in your personal statement, please discuss how you will contribute to diversity in the legal profession specifically, including (to the extent applicable) such factors as:

  • What led you to pursue a legal career
  • If applicable, what led to your desire to practice in a global law firm environment
  • The ways in which you would commit, promote and contribute to the diversity objectives of your law firm and global law firms generally (provide any relevant examples of your past efforts to advance diversity goals)
  • Life experiences that have shaped your values and/or that provide you with a unique perspective
  • Any obstacles, challenges or other factors (financial or otherwise) that you encountered in pursuing a legal career
  • Academic and/or leadership achievements

If you have any questions regarding the Latham Diversity Scholars Program, please contact Elizabeth Krichmar, Senior Manager of Global Attorney Recruiting, at elizabeth.krichmar@lw.com.

Job Fairs

Register NOW: Lavender Law Career Fair

Register Now for the National LGBT Bar Association’s annual Lavender Law Career Fair and Conference.  The Lavender Law Career Fair takes place Wednesday, August 20-23, 2014.  The Conference takes place on and Thursday, August 21-23, 2014. Register at: http://lgbtbar.org/annual/register/
The Lavender Law Career Fair is designed to achieve a sense of community and inclusion for LGBT candidates within the legal profession’s recruiting efforts. By participating in this career fair, candidates will talk directly to LGBT-friendly recruiters from law firms, government agencies, LGBT rights groups, and corporate legal departments. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their identity and their aspirations to become part of a bias-free work environment. Sponsors are encouraged to take this opportunity to showcase their diversity efforts to top level law students and lateral candidates from around the country.  For full program and event details, please visit the program page: http://lgbtbar.org/annual/

Register NOW: Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention and Career Fair

The Hispanic National Bar Association’s Career Fair (HNBA), the nation’s largest career fair for Hispanic law students and legal professionals, will take place at the HNBA’s Annual Convention on Friday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The 2014 HNBA Convention will be held September 10–13, 2014 at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Washington, DC.  The event will give students and alumni access to government agencies, law firms, and leaders of industry, as well as allow them to make contacts that may lead to employment or other post-graduation professional opportunities.

To learn more, go here: http://www.hnba.com/2014-annual-convention/

2014 Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair

Date: Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 2014
Location: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 5701 Marinelli Road Bethesda, MD 20852

Equal Justice Works (EJW) invites you to join them for the 2014 Conference and Career Fair.

Each year, the EJW Conference and Career Fair brings together 1,200 law students with more than 125 public interest employers from around the country under one roof.
The EJW annual Conference and Career Fair is the largest national public interest legal career fair in the country.  More than 1,200 students from 165 law schools attend for two days of interviews, workshops, networking and other career opportunities.  Public interest employers conduct interviews for internship and full-time positions and meet with students in informal “table talk” settings to discuss public interest legal opportunities.  The Conference and Career Fair also features workshops on various public interest careers and job search advice, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, and more. 

To see a list of registered employers to date, click here.

Diversity

Reed Smith's Diverse Scholars Program

Sidley Austin LLP Diversity Scholarship

Latham & Watkins Diversity Scholars Program

2014 Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair

2014 IndyBar Diversity Job Fair

Northwest Minority Job Fair

2014 Lavender Law Career Fair

Register NOW: Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention and Career Fair

Resources

Skadden Fellowship Info Session Audio File Available

If you were unable to attend this year’s Skadden Fellowship Information Session with Susan Butler Plum at The University of Chicago Law School, you may listen to the audio recording of the event online.  Click here to listen to the program, which will remain live online until October 1, 2014.  Contact your career advisor with any further questions about the Skadden Fellowship Program, and learn more about the fellowship here.

CSO Resources

The Chicago-Kent Career Services Office has access to hundreds of helpful career resources. A majority of these resources are available in Symplicity under the red "Resources" tab (in the "Document Library"). Some of these resources include:

  • 2013-2014 Government Honors and Internship Handbook
  • Chicago Area Law Firm List
  • 2013-2014 Guide to Internships & Fellowships in Reproductive Rights & Justice
  • Updated Vermont Guide to State Judicial Clerkships
  • BYU Intercollegiate Job Bank
  • DePaul Law School International Guide and Job Resource
  • Music Attorney Registry
  • Prosecution Handbook
  • Public Defender Handbook               
  • Public Interest Job Search Handbooks
  • Various handouts related to the job search, including “Researching Legal Employers,” “The Out of State Job Search,” “Salary Negotiations” and “Writing Samples”

And many more!

Chicago-Kent students can also access various websites like: Policy Jobs (www.policyjobs.net), Political Jobs (www.politicaljobs.net), Human Rights Jobs (www.humanrightsjobs.com), Ethical Jobs (www.ethicaljobs.net), and Journalist Jobs (www.journalistjobs.net) by using the Login details that can be obtained in the Symplicity "Document Library" (under the Resources tab).

Speak with your Career Advisor today about the various resources available through the Career Services Office!

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